While the Protocol Coppers isn't bad, it just couldn't maintain what was delivered in the first third. I think this is a slightly better offering than most of the other special/single store releases from the brand and I might come back to it from time to time, but it isn't something that I see myself going back to all that regularly. It's worth trying one to see what you think.
I can’t remember the last La Aroma de Cuba that I enjoyed this much. What a great Nicaraguan puro. Balanced blend with enjoyable flavors from start to finish. Great construction as well. My Father has released two Nicaraguan puros recently that have caught my attention. I like what I am seeing. I want more! I will definitely be coming back to this La Aroma de Cuba Pasion Corona Gorda.
The A.C.E. Prime Fiat Lux Insight was a slimmer ring gauge packed tight with flavors. The flavor in itself was full, giving a spicy dose of oily red pepper spice, followed by leather, minerals and thick creaminess off dried nuts. The one thing I noticed is, you have to watch the intensity of draws. Draw too fast, and you'll quickly get unwanted char and bitterness. Great showing, I'll be back for more.
The Crux Epicure Maduro Corona Gorda was a good offering of the Epicure Maduro blend in a vitola that seems to shine. The first third was the most complex, and the second third delivered enough flavor balance to maintain interest. The complexity fell off in the last third but was still pleasant.
The Black Works Studio Hyena Corona Gorda was a different offering from the company. Instead of typically showcasing overt strength and a punchy flavor profile, this cigar showed full flavors and some strength, but in a more composed and balanced way. Hands down will smoke more of these.
This was a fun little cigar and it delivered a solid flavor profile. Nothing impressive out of the Perla Del Mar Corojo Corona Gorda, but with the price it is a great little purchase. I really enjoyed the spice and stone fruit notes. I'm trying to remember the last time I had an Ecuadorian Corojo wrapper too.
The Crowned Heads Mil Días Corona Gorda was not like any other Crowned Heads I've smoked in the past. It brought a unique combination of graham cracker and herbal notes, all well balanced under the medium strength mark. This isn't a cigar I would reach for all the time, but given the interesting and unique combination of flavors, I would smoke this when I was looking for a change of pace.
The HVC 500 Years Anniversary Selectos had some enjoyable complexity in the first third, and while I found the middle and last thirds to be pleasant, they lacked the same complexity that would elevate the experience to a good rating. For an anniversary cigar, I was anticipating more complexity, as HVC has managed to deliver on these type of releases in the past.
I really wish the start to the HVC Hot Cake Corona Gorda would have maintained itself throughout as we'd then be talking about a really special cigar. The price point is quite attractive and I'd be willing to come back to this just for what the first inch provided. Definitely something I'd recommend people check out.
The Cubariqueño Protocol Official Misconduct Corona Gorda serves as an excellent anchor blend to the other cigars Protocol already released. Overall, the flavors were consistently good from start to finish, with enough complexity in each third to maintain my interest. The burn struggled at times, although it never seemed to impact the flavor experience.